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Facing and Embracing

Have you ever had someone imply or call you crazy…and mean it? Or to be more politically correct, “I think you need to talk to someone- a psychologist.” Psychologists are needed in this world. Some need the counseling or help they provide. I think they are God-sent just as all good doctors are. However, it was my doctor who told me he wanted me to see a psychologist because I was “too happy” and not accepting the reality my life– which he then pointed to the wheelchair sitting in the corner of the hospital room. He said, “That wheelchair is your reality, you need to accept it.”

At that time, once again I was in the hospital for long term ACTH treatment for another MS attack. I was unable to walk, see and function normally. When I didn’t respond emotionally the way the doctors expected, they told me I wasn’t facing reality. The reality they wanted me to face and embrace is my definition of doom and gloom. The realities of statistics in the medical journals were stacked against me. However, I embrace God’s Word rather than man’s word for my future. My circumstances were not good but once I knew the war I faced, my decision was made. I would live my life embracing God’s Word for my life not man’s prognosis. This doesn’t mean I ignore doing what the doctors recommend or say unlessthey try to force me to accept doom and gloom over Hope. Never will I tell anyone that I didn’t cry or that I don’t get tired of the constant pain and struggle. I did and I do BUT to be my best for Christ I must continue to refocus on His purpose for my life.

Nothing catches the LORD by surprise. He knows every circumstance we are in and will face in life. What we must decide is how we will face them. While in the hospital I had fun – well as much fun as you can have. The nurses would put signs above my bed like “no veins McKee” and “feed peanut M’ and M’s when sleepy –donations wanted.” I tease the nurses without much mercy-especially in some of things we had to do, somethings are easier if you can laugh about it. I ordered pizzas and had pillow fights with my roommate (which was quite a feat as we both were confined to our beds). In the early 1980’s I was in the hospital for 3-6 weeks at a time about every 3-4 months. I knew too well that my body was betraying me, but why focus on it? I embrace God’s Word for hope. And I chose joy no matter how ridiculous it seemed to some. For me, it was the way to make the best of life then and now.

Life brings with it the good, the bad and the ugly. When we see no purpose there still is one. Living a joyful life is different than getting everything we think we want in life. Paul sang praises to the LORD in prison (and there was no television or bathroom privileges back then). There is Greater Plan for life than what meets the eye. No matter what our immediate circumstances are we need to trust God. It is the only way I know to live.

God will make a way for you where there seems to be no way. He will enable you plus give you His grace to live a productive and joyful life, no matter what you are facing. He is a good God and He loves you. He takes our lives, our deepest pains, disappointments and in the midst of it all gives us a purpose much bigger than ourselves.